But he’s also performed on many other projects, including modern mobile games such as Tengami.

A flat out genius, the man was talent-spotted by video game developer Rare’s head honchos (Chris and Tim Stamper) in 1985. In his 20s, Wise was working at a music store and played the visiting brothers a few of his compositions on a keyboard.

They hired him on the spot—30 years on Wise is deemed one of the best composers in the industry. I say!

7 Super Groovy David Wise Compositions

On the face of it, the Donkey Kong Country games would be better suited to a boopy boppy type game soundtrack. In hiring Wise, though, Rare provided the masterstroke for the series.

The games were elevated to an emotive and dramatic level through a series of two to three minute melodic compositions, with fantastic use of percussion and atmospherics.

However, technological advancements over the last few decades mean, by the Wise time worked on 2014’s Tropical Freeze, his most recent DKC soundtrack is arguably his best. Anyway, if you have a spare 20 minutes listen on in and enjoy.

1. Grassland Groove

The highlight from the Wii U’s masterpiece Tropical Freeze franchise entry. Certainly one of the most uplifting things you can ever listen to.

Grassland Groove is also one of the best levels in video game history, in our opinion. Quite the moving experience.

2. Stickerbush Symphony

World famous for being flat out amazeballs, this track occurs on one of the game’s most notoriously difficult and frustrating levels—Bramble Scramble. It’s bloody useful the track’s there to keep you calm.

3. Jib Jig

One of the quirky little numbers which populate the series. Big Jig is introduced early in DKC 2 on a wind and rainswept level up in the sails of a ship. It’s all rather glorious.